Why Google's Unbeatable Pixel Upgrade Is Bad News For Android
Android has a problem — and this one is not easily fixed. There's a conflict at the center of the world's most popular operating system, and it's getting worse. What happens next is down to Samsung to decide. But it could change everything.
I have warned about this before. Google supplies Android to other manufacturers, but it also competes with those OEMs through its own Pixel devices. And while Pixel has a small market share compared to those others, it's first to new features and upgrades.
Security and privacy were central to Android 15 and it's the same now with Android 16. And that makes this more critical for users than regular feature updates.
Samsung is the largest OEM, and yet it suffered the most during the rollout of Android 15, trailing Pixel by almost an entire upgrade cycle. Pixels were moving to Android 16 just as many Samsungs got their first taste of Android 15. And while Samsung's Android 16 rollout is expected to be faster, we're still waiting to see that actually goes.
Now that warning has been echoed by Android Authority. with 'five reasons why Google's Pixel software is better than Samsung's One UI.' But one of those reasons matters more than all the others. 'No matter what Samsung does to One UI,' it says, 'the one advantage that Google will always have is faster updates.'
Samsung Vs Pixel
In short, 'as the creator of Android, it's easier for Google to optimize its Pixel lineup.' While this is an especially acute time to have this debate, given 'the mess that was One UI 7,' it goes beyond OS upgrades. Seamless and efficient security updates month after month and access to innovative new security features both come to mind.
While 'Samsung has fixed its flawed One UI 7 update,' Android Authority says, 'it's done so just in time for everyone to turn their attention to One UI 8.' The reality is that Google has made Pixel unbeatable when it comes to the pace and efficiency of updates and upgrades, and as AI becomes ever more intrinsic to Android, this will become more critical to users and will remove some of Samsung's differentiation.
We're seeing the same in the narrowing gap between Android and iPhone, and again with Google's suite of AI-driven apps available across different operating systems, the mobile space race changes and it's half-life significantly reduces.
Whole Samsung will determine what happens next, the trigger may come from China rather than Korea. Huawei is now pushing a third mobile OS, bringing real competition to iOS and Android for the first time in decades. The pressure is on other Chinese OEMs to jump onboard, rebalancing away from U.S. tech. You can be certain that's what being pushed in quiet corridors in Beijing and Shenzhen as being in the national interest.
While Pixel's unbeatable upgrades are certainly bad news for Samsung, it could well be that they're even worse news for Android.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘Most humbling thing I've ever seen': Ford CEO sounds alarm on China's EV dominance — what that means for you
Ford CEO Jim Farley didn't mince words at the recent Aspen Ideas Festival, describing China's rapid rise in the electric vehicle (EV) market as the 'most humbling experience' of his career. "Their cost, their quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the west." Farley said. Chinese automakers like BYD have pulled ahead with vertically integrated supply chains, efficient production and government support. They're pumping out reliable EVs at prices that make even budget-conscious U.S. models look expensive — including the new BYD Seagull, priced under $10,000 USD. "We are in a global competition with China, and it's not just EVs. And if we lose this, we do not have a future Ford," Farley said. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it For U.S. consumers, this isn't just about bragging rights in the global auto race. It's about what you'll pay for your next vehicle. If Chinese EVs enter Western markets without tariffs, they could undercut competitors by tens of thousands of dollars — bringing huge savings to consumers but serious threats to U.S. auto industry jobs. In response, the U.S. government has already imposed steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which may shield domestic automakers for now but also delay price competition. Farley's warning comes as more and more Americans are looking to switch to EVs amid soaring gas prices and expanding charging infrastructure. But since Tesla, Ford and GM EVs often start in the $40,000-$60,000 range, many Americans are priced out. Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, here's of diversified assets usually only available to major players China's advantage? It controls much of the world's battery production and can bring new EVs to market in a fraction of the time compared to U.S. automakers. Ford is working on a next-gen affordable EV platform intended to match China's costs but says it won't arrive until 2027. Tesla is also aiming to launch a $25,000 'Model 2,' but timelines remain uncertain. Until then, the price gap persists. One other fact is that Apple and Google just "decided not to go into the car business," according to Farley. This has created significant barriers to the U.S. competing with the level of technological integration made available in Chinese vehicles. "They have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car," Farley added. "You get in, you don't have to pair your phone. Automatically, your whole digital life is mirrored in the car." For now, U.S. car buyers won't see sub-$20,000 EVs on the lot — but pressure is mounting. Here's how to stay ahead: Watch for incentives: Federal EV tax credits can ease the price of U.S.-made electric cars. Consider used EVs: As more models hit the market, prices on pre-owned electric cars are dropping. Just make sure you double-check the battery warranty before buying used. Plan long-term: If you're planning to switch to electric in the next few years, competition and innovation may bring prices down — eventually. Ford and Farley are painfully aware that market dynamics are shifting. And for American drivers, the race to affordable EVs is on. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Gizmodo
23 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
Just Released Last Week, the Roborock Q7 M5+ with Docking Station Is 40% Off for Prime Day
Roborock has established itself as the go-to company for robot vacuums and mops with its highest-end models priced over $1,500. While these luxury devices are the benchmark for both performance and innovation, the more budget-friendly 'Q' line is the best-seller because it pairs innovative features with low prices. The new Q7 M5+ is the model to buy in 2025, with what is arguably the greatest value out there today. Only a week after its official release, Amazon reduces the Q7 M5+ by an incredible 35% just for Prime Day: That brings its price down to $279, from $429, which is (obviously) an all-time low that leaves the competition in the dust. See at Amazon The Roborock device combines powerful suction, advanced navigation and hands-free maintenance which makes it a smart choice if you're looking to keep your home clean with minimal effort. Due to its 2.7-liter closed dust bag and RockDock Plus mechanism, the Q7 M5+ runs for up to seven weeks without needing to be emptied. The most incredible feature of this latest Roborock device is the 10,000Pa HyperForce suction power: This cleaning ability allows the Q7 M5+ to capture pet hair, dust and dirt from all surfaces. The dual anti-tangle system with the JawScrapers main brush and a side brush that is resistant to hair wrap avoids interruption and clogs even in houses with long-haired pets. The Roborock Q7 M5+ vacuums but also mops: With three varying water flow settings that you can control, you can tailor the mopping function to suit your specific needs, and deliver the most effective result on any given flooring type. The PreciSense LiDAR navigation system precisely maps your home, and allows the robot to clean effectively and avoid bumps. Real-time mapping in this feature is especially useful in large homes or multi-room living spaces. Controlling the Q7 M5+ is easy using the Roborock app: With your smartphone, you can schedule cleaning sessions and set no-go zones, activate spot cleaning and locate the robot and its battery life remaining. The app supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi so your cleaning routine can be controlled whether it's you that's home or not. With its current Prime Day price, the Q7 M5+ is not only at its lowest price ever, but it also delivers a level of performance that's hard to match at any price point. See at Amazon
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Amid AI boom, veteran analyst reboots AMD, Supermicro stock price targets
Amid AI boom, veteran analyst reboots AMD, Supermicro stock price targets originally appeared on TheStreet. Nvidia () stock typically hogs all the AI spotlight, but if you look at the bigger picture, two other names deserve a deeper look. AMD () and Super Micro Computer () stock have been silently positioning themselves at the heart of AI's next big upgrade cycle. 💵💰💰💵 The former is pushing for new GPUs to hyperscalers, desperate for an alternative, while the latter is building the racks that make all that horsepower usable at scale. With that said, a bold and fresh analyst take this week shows why these tech giants are poised to chip away at Nvidia's massive lead. One thing is clear from recent weeks: Nvidia's AI crown isn't as untouchable as it looks on paper. AMD, in particular, has been showing that it isn't content playing second fiddle. CEO Lisa Su recently dropped a bombshell at the company's big 'Advancing AI' event, unveiling the new Instinct MI350 series. These powerful new GPUs are built to supercharge AI, delivering up to four times more compute performance and a 35× boost in inference. More importantly, the top AI juggernauts in Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI are already kicking the tires on these chips. That shows the bellwethers in the hyperscaler space are itching for a serious Nvidia AMD fires up the accelerator race, Supermicro is locking down the racks to run them. Though it was primarily a key player in motherboards and chassis, Supermicro now considers itself a leading hyperscale AI systems powerhouse. Last month, Saudi-based DataVolt signed a jaw-dropping $20 billion multi-year deal to deploy Supermicro's liquid-cooled GPU racks across AI campuses in Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Such an enormous order indicates that Supermicro's modular, dense, and energy-efficient designs are critical in powering AI mega-centers. Nvidia still calls the shots in the AI space, but AMD's MI350X ramp and Supermicro's hyperscale push highlight room for major competition. More Tech Stock News: Analyst reboots IonQ stock price target for surprising reason Apple could make big change to Siri, delight fans Veteran analyst issues big Broadcom call, shakes up AI stock race And with the MI400 series and Helios AI Rack on deck for next year, it's clear AMD and Supermicro are gunning to rewrite the script on AI. Mizuho's latest bullish note shows how AMD and Supermicro offer strong upside for chipmakers looking to feed AI's insatiable compute appetite. Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh stuck with his Outperform call on AMD stock but raised his 12-month price target to $152 from $135. That implies a 10.2% bump from Thursday's close at $137.91 and a 12.6% increase from the previous price target. Rakesh called out a 'slightly better MI355X ramp' in the second half of this year. That's huge, considering the new Instinct series is arguably AMD's most promising play at challenging Nvidia's AI accelerator dominance. Hyperscalers want alternatives, and AMD's open-standard hardware is firmly on their Mizuho didn't sugarcoat everything. It left its near-term numbers mostly unchanged, keeping the June-quarterly sales forecast at $7.40 billion and EPS at 47 cents, both just shy of consensus. For the full year, Rakesh has trimmed its EPS slightly to $3.90. Nevertheless, the real story is what happens next, with AMD's robust margin mix and high-end AI chips offsetting any short-term softness. Over at Supermicro, Rakesh sees plenty to like, too. He nudged his price target to $47 from $40, a healthy 17.5% bump, while keeping a Neutral rating. The veteran analyst believes the demand for AI servers is running hot. Sizeable shipments for Tier-2 Microsoft Azure partners, plus a steady drumbeat of orders for Supermicro's liquid-cooled GPU, point to an excellent runway ahead. Also, Rakesh models the Saudi Arabia DataVolt deal, adding $2.5 billion in annual sales starting next year, highlighting a massive ramp-up in top-line AI boom, veteran analyst reboots AMD, Supermicro stock price targets first appeared on TheStreet on Jul 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Sign in to access your portfolio
